Cattle rustlers on the run as Motetema police hunt for suspects
Police in Motetema, within the Sekhukhune District, have launched a manhunt for unknown suspects after a stock theft was reported at Sterkfontein. The incident occurred on the morning of 2 April 2026 when the complainant found that the kraal gate had been forced open and livestock were stolen. The SA Police Service has shared the information publicly as officers continue the investigation.
Introduction
The following article summarises the reported stock theft incident in Sterkfontein, Motetema, and the related police response. It notes the location, date, and action taken by authorities, and provides further context and resources for readers seeking more information.
Detailed list
- Location: Motetema, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo province, South Africa.
- Incident type: Stock theft (livestock theft).
- Date reported: 2 April 2026.
- Incident details: Complainant discovered that the kraal gate had been forced open and livestock were stolen from Sterkfontein.
- Authorities involved: South African Police Service (SAPS) in Motetema; active manhunt for unknown suspects.
- Source of information: Post from SA Police Service on X (formerly Twitter), dated 9 April 2026, referencing the incident and ongoing follow-up.
- Public notification: The SAPS statement indicates ongoing investigation and pursuit of suspects.
- Related media: An image linked in the post (pic.x.com/AOVjmee4cP) was shared as part of the update.
- Additional resources: Readers may explore more local news coverage at the City of Thohoyandou website under the news category.
- Live source: More details and updates can be found at the official SAPS post: https://x.com/SAPoliceService/status/2042100189692096784.
Simple summary of the story
In Motetema, part of the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo, police are conducting a manhunt for unknown suspects after a stock theft was reported at Sterkfontein. On the morning of 2 April 2026, the owner found that the kraal gate had been forcibly opened and livestock had been stolen. The South African Police Service publicly announced ongoing investigations and pursuit of the suspects, sharing updates and a photo linked in their post. For readers seeking more local news coverage, there is a path to similar stories on the City of Thohoyandou site.
Frequently asked questions
- What happened in Sterkfontein? Stock theft was reported after the kraal gate was forced open and livestock were stolen, prompting a police manhunt in Motetema, Sekhukhune District.
- When did the incident occur? The report references an event on the morning of 2 April 2026.
- Who is investigating? The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Motetema are leading the investigation and manhunt.
- What has been shared publicly? The SAPS published updates on X (formerly Twitter), including a photo linked to the incident.
- Can I view the original source? Yes. See the SAPS post here: https://x.com/SAPoliceService/status/2042100189692096784.
- Where can I read more local news? Visit the City of Thohoyandou news category for similar reports: City of Thohoyandou news.
- What is the status of the investigation? The post indicates an ongoing manhunt; updates will be provided by SAPS as the investigation progresses.
- Is there additional media related to the incident? An image linked in the SAPS post (pic.x.com/AOVjmee4cP) accompanied the update.




